Chronic Conditions

The Center for a Healthy Maryland is dedicated to promoting the health and well being of Maryland citizens, many of whom are living with chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes—are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases account for 70 percent of all deaths in the U.S., which total 1.7 million each year. The Center is pursuing funding to develop and administer programs that promote healthy living in order to reduce the impact of chronic conditions.

Beginning January 1, 2011, federal employees and their families will be guaranteed coverage for tobacco cessation treatment, no matter what health plan they choose.

Cancer, the Flu, and You

The CDC announces the debut of Cancer, the Flu, and You, a new resource targeted toward cancer patients and survivors. Living with cancer increases a person’s risk for complications from having the flu. To help prepare you, anyone you know with cancer, or anyone who has had cancer in the past, CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control is answering some important questions about seasonal and 2009 HINI flu.

Lyme Disease

The Infectious Disease Society of America offers a free online Lyme disease case study course which consists of a series of case studies designed to educate clinicians regarding the proper diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. Each case is accredited for .25 CME credits, for a maximum of 1.5 CME. There is no cost for these credits.

Heart Disease and Stroke

Can you spot the signs of stroke? Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others. Strokes are medical emergency. Every second counts.

Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms.

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay! Immediately call 9-1-1.

Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to process language but does not affect intelligence. Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others, and most people with aphasia experience difficulty reading and writing. For more information on aphasia click here.

Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement (SCALE)

SCALE is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing long-term, affordable services to individuals with aphasia and their families. A variety of communication groups and computer classes are offered in addition to hands-on, interactive groups such as art, photography and gardening.

Members have input regarding the types of classes offered and select classes of interest to them. Some individuals choose to focus on enhancing their communication skills through technology or conversation practice. Others focus on rebuilding social networks by interacting with peers and volunteers at the Center as they participate in communication activities.

Hypertension (Attention All Physicians Who Diagnose and Treat Patients with Hypertension)

The Maryland State Advisory Council on Heart Disease and Stroke wants you to know a “Simple Strategy” to help your high blood pressure patients achieve and maintain recommended levels of control. Every single time you give a patient a prescription for a blood pressure medication, remember to say:

“High blood pressure is a chronic disease. It cannot be cured.”

“This medication will control your high blood pressure when you take it exactly as I have indicated.”

“You must plan ahead to refill your prescription so you do not have to skip any doses.”

Diabetes

November is Diabetes awareness month!

Diabetes is an epidemic that kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. There’s no ignoring it. There’s only stopping it and you can help by starting now during American Diabetes Month. Help raise awareness and the hope that someday, we’ll find a cure. Please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES, or go to diabetes.org as a resource for your Practice and your patients.